TIME asked prominent individuals, including former TIME 100 honorees, whom they would choose for 2008. The nominations are in

Curtis Sittenfeld Author of three novels, including the recent American Wife, loosely based on the life of Laura Bush

In September, conservative columnist Kathleen Parker wrote of her gradual realization that Sarah Palin wasn't qualified to be John McCain's running mate and should step aside. A former Palin supporter, Parker incurred the wrath of right-wing readers, but her remarks were brave, and her willingness to repudiate spin, even at personal cost, won her admirers of all political persuasions.

Bill O'Reilly Host of The O'Reilly Factor, Fox News anchor and author of the memoir A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity